BSP-18 Chelsea’s Hazard must decide over new contract: Sarri

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Chelsea’s Hazard must decide over new contract: Sarri

LONDON, Dec 5, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Belgian playmaker Eden Hazard must make
up his mind whether he wishes to commit to Chelsea and extend his contract
worth a rumoured œ350,000 ($450,000) a week, the club’s manager Maurizio
Sarri said.

The 27-year-old — whose present deal runs till June 2020 — was linked
with a move to Real Madrid after a stunning World Cup in which he inspired
Belgium to their best ever finish of third.

However, Sarri said Chelsea’s offer was on the table and now the ball lay
in Hazard’s court.

Hazard, who joined Chelsea for œ32 million from Ligue 1 outfit Lille in
2012, has spoken often about the dilemma he faces in re-signing for the Blues
or taking his chances at Real.

“The club is available to sign a new contract immediately, but it’s up to
him if he wants to renew or not,” said Sarri.

“I want Eden here, of course, but I want him here if he wants to stay
here.”

The risk Chelsea run is if no contract extension is agreed by next summer,
Hazard may be sold or else the club would risk losing him for nothing at the
end of the 2019-20 season.

“I know very well that there are discussions between the club and the
manager of Eden every week, I think, so if there is something new, the club
will call me immediately.”

Spanish international Cesar Azpilicueta, one of the longest-serving
players at Chelsea, signed a new four-year contract on Tuesday.

But apart from Hazard, Sarri also risks losing veterans David Luiz and
Cesc Fabregas.

Their contracts are up at the end of the campaign and they are locked in a
standoff over the length of the new deals being offered.

BSS/AFP/BZC/1950HRS